What Is Your Body Trying to Tell You?

Learning to listen to the little cues before they become bigger ones.

What is your body trying to tell you?

Lately I have been thinking a lot about the cues our bodies give us, and how easy it is to ignore them.

I try to move 3 to 5 days a week, but that movement looks different depending on the week. Sometimes it is Pilates, sometimes the gym, hiking, walking, or honestly, sometimes it is a lot less than I planned.

Last week I noticed my body starting to call me out a little.

My hamstrings were tight, my back was achy, and my neck and shoulders were feeling stiff. I had been doing a lot of admin work, sitting more than usual, and also hitting the gym a little harder than I probably needed to.

Nothing was really wrong, but my body was definitely saying, “Hey, can we do something different over here?”

So I listened.

I hopped on my Reformer, stretched on the Ladder Barrel, used the leg springs on the Cadillac, and worked with some of the other equipment in my studio to give my body what it was asking for.

I started with movement to warm everything up, then worked into more targeted exercises to stretch, lengthen, strengthen, and create some space where I needed it.

And honestly, I felt the difference.

This is one of the things I love about Pilates. It is not always about doing more. Sometimes it is about paying attention and giving your body the kind of movement and support it actually needs that day.

And this applies to all of us, no matter where we are in life.

Maybe you are chasing little kids around all day, and your back and shoulders are feeling it.

Maybe you are getting older and noticing that your balance, mobility, or flexibility isn't quite what it used to be.

Maybe you are coming back from an injury and trying to figure out how to move again without overdoing it.

Or maybe nothing is really wrong, you just don't feel quite as good in your body as you used to.

Those are all cues worth paying attention to.

I think that is a big part of longevity too.

It is not one workout, one exercise, or one thing that magically keeps us feeling good as we age. It is finding the right balance and learning what supports your body overall.

A little strength here, some mobility there, a walk, a hike, Pilates, rest when you need it, and paying attention when your body starts giving you those little cues.

It is kind of like a dance.

And the more we listen, the better we get at knowing what our bodies need.

So whether you are one of my weekly clients, someone I haven't seen in a while, or someone who has been thinking about trying Pilates for the first time, this is your little reminder to check in with yourself.

What has your body been trying to tell you lately?

Are you feeling pain or limited mobility during everyday activities? Are you noticing more stiffness in an area that never used to bother you? Are certain movements becoming harder, or are you avoiding things you used to do without thinking about them?

You don't necessarily have to wait until something is really wrong to start paying attention.

Sometimes your body whispers before it starts shouting.

If you want a more personalized approach, I would love to see you in the studio and help you work with what your body needs right now. I also offer virtual sessions if getting to the studio isn't easy.

And if you just need a little movement to get started, I have Pilates videos on my YouTube channel that you can do from home.

You don't have to be “back in shape” before you start. You don't have to be flexible. And you don't have to know anything about Pilates.

We simply start where you are.

Jennifer

Strength By Jennifer Pilates Studio

P.S. One more fun thing… 🎙️

My podcast episode with StokeLight Media drops tomorrow! I had so much fun doing this and talking about Pilates, movement, building my business, and why I’m so passionate about helping people feel strong and capable in their bodies.

I’ll be sharing it on my socials tomorrow, so stay tuned!

And if you want more Pilates tips, movement ideas, and a little midlife real talk along the way, follow me on Instagram @strengthbyjenniferpilates. ❤️